In 1860, Jacques E. Brandenberger discovered that carbon fibers could be produced by passing an electric arc through dry carbon dioxide gas. This method of producing carbon fibers is still in use today. The first person to manufacture carbon fiber was Leo Baekeland, who manufactured charcoal at high temperature and pressure, then passed an electric current to produce carbon fibers. In 1911, D. G. Comyn patented a method for spinning carbon fiber. Comyn was able to produce fibers that were not only stronger than natural fibers, but also had exceptional flexibility. In 1924, Paul Moody developed a process for spinning carbon fiber. This method is still in use today. In 1956, Roger Bacon created a process for making carbon-fiber tapes that could be used in the aerospace industry. In 1958, the first commercial shipment of carbon fiber occurred. In 1966, the first carbon-fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite material was produced. In 1977, a patent was issued to Charles W. Hull for a process for spinning carbon fibers.
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